For millions of Americans, Inauguration Day meant hope, as Joe Biden was installed as the 46th President of the United States.
It was fitting then that Bruce Springsteen would release a loyal fan favorite on “Land of Hope and Dreams” Wednesday night, strumming the tune for a breathtaking solo performance and kicking off “Celebrating America”, an inaugural special from 90 minutes full of stars.
“Good night, America. I’m proud to be here tonight in cold Washington DC, ”said Springsteen with a smile, standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. “I want to offer this little prayer for our country.”
With just his Takemine sunburst guitar – similar or identical to the one he played during his recent season on Broadway – The Boss delivered a passionate version of the stimulating melody, looking up, howling in the night with its patented scraping. He wore a simple coat and jeans.
Those who have been following Biden closely in recent months have grown accustomed to Springsteen’s impact on his campaign. In August, his touching 2002 hit “The Rising” was used as the soundtrack for the Democratic National Convention promotional video. Bruce also loaned “My Hometown” from 1984 to Biden in late October for a promotional video detailing Biden in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Springsteen supported Democratic candidates for most of the 21st century, starting with two performances on the Rock the Vote tour in 2004 (supporting John Kerry). Since then, he has been baffled by Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 and performed at a Hillary Clinton rally in Philadelphia the night before the 2016 election.
In contrast, Springsteen was a harsh critic during Trump’s presidency: “Put on a shit mask,” Springsteen scolded in June during an appearance on E Street Radio, his dedicated SiriusXM channel. Most famously, Springsteen joked “the republic is under siege from an idiot” during a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone.
Trump was also not a fan of Bruce. Here is a brief timeline of their mutual dislike.
“Land of Hope and Dreams” first debuted on the Springsteen and E Street Band reunion tour in 1999, but did not appear on a studio album until “Wrecking Ball” in 2012.
Other “Celebrating America” artists included Jon Bon Jovi and R&B singer Ant Clemons, as well as Foo Fighters, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Justin Timberlake and Ozuna. The program was presented by Tom Hanks and broadcast on various networks and streaming platforms.
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